A Celebration of Tradition and Sustainability
PO-EM at its core has always been about handmade processes and celebrating artisan craft, with block printing as one of the most prominent design processes. A little deep dive into this process felt perfect for inquiring minds!
In the age of mass-produced fashion, the art of block printing offers a refreshing return to tradition, creativity, and sustainability. PO-EM celebrates this ancient craft by featuring it in our collection of original, artisan-made clothing and textiles. Each piece tells a story of skilled craftsmanship, meticulous care, and environmental consciousness. Let’s take a closer look at the timeless art of block printing and its role in creating PO-EM's sustainable fashion & textiles.
What is Block Printing?
As an artist-owned design studio, PO-EM takes great care and fun in designing original patterns unique to the brand, which are then brought to life through the woodblock printing process.
Block printing is one of the oldest and most intricate textile printing techniques. Originating in ancient cultures like India and China, this method involves carving designs onto wooden blocks, which are then hand-stamped onto fabric using natural dyes. The result? Unique, one-of-a-kind patterns that reflect the hand of the artisan who created them.
Unlike machine-printed fabrics, block printing carries the imperfections and charm of human touch—a true testament to its handcrafted nature and that to us in this day and age is true luxury.
(Testing out a new design! After approval colors will follow...)
Why Block Printing Matters in Sustainable Fashion
Block printing aligns beautifully with the principles of slow fashion and sustainability. Here’s why:
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Low Environmental Impact: Unlike industrial printing, block printing uses minimal water and no electricity, reducing its carbon footprint.
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Natural Dyes: At PO-EM, we prioritize the use of natural, non-toxic dyes that are safe for the environment and the wearer.
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Supporting Artisan Communities: By choosing block-printed textiles, you’re supporting skilled craftspeople and preserving centuries-old traditions.
PO-EM’s Commitment to Artisan Craftsmanship
At PO-EM, we work closely with established artisan cooperatives in India, Guatemala, and Mexico to create our collections. Each piece is handmade with care, using traditional techniques like block printing, weaving, and resist-dyeing. These partnerships ensure fair wages and a sustainable livelihood for our artisans while fostering a deep respect for heritage production techniques.
How to Style Block-Printed Clothing
Block-printed garments are versatile, timeless and super special and unique. Here are some tips for incorporating them into your wardrobe:
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Everyday Elegance: Pair a block-printed dress with simple sandals and a woven tote for a polished, effortless look.
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Layering: Add a lightweight block-printed top under a cardigan
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Home Accents: Use block-printed textiles as sofa covers, bedding, or wall art hangings to bring artisan beauty into your home.
Shop our block-printed clothing, home and art collection now.
Supporting Tradition and Sustainability
We sort of shout this from the mountain top, but its oh-so important in this saturated fast-fashion marketplace: When you choose block-printed clothing, you’re not just buying a garment—you’re supporting a centuries-old craft, empowering artisans, and contributing to a more sustainable future. At PO-EM, we’re proud to bring you timeless, handcrafted pieces that blend unique art, design, and purpose.
Explore our collection today and join us in celebrating the beauty of artisan-made goods + supporting small artist-owned businesses :)
Discover the PO-EM Collection - nothing makes us happier than your business & support! Click here to browse our block-printed clothing and textiles.
